In a context in which the climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced. At the same time, arable land and water resources are being degraded or reduced. For this reason, the intensification of agriculture represents an unprecedented challenge (Popp et al., 2013; Heeb et al., 2019).
Crop yields may be greatly affected by ongoing climate change. Crops commonly experience different types of abiotic stress. These include drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutrient deficiency. They also experience biotic stress such as pests and diseases.
The objective is to increase crop yields. This must be achieved without causing a significant impact on the environment or human health (Povero et al., 2016; Rouphael and Colla, 2018). At the same time, crops must become more resistant and resilient to climate change. Yield and quality must not be compromised.
This priority is strongly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 2 on sustainable agriculture, SDG 12 on sustainable production, and SDG 13 on climate action.
In this regard, the Institute addresses the following R&D&I programmes:
Reduction of Synthetic Chemical Fertilizers
The intensive use of synthetic fertilizers has led to soil and water degradation. For this reason, the Farm to Fork strategy sets the objective of reducing synthetic chemical fertilizers by 20% by 2030.
This research line aims to provide nature-based alternatives that enhance crop productivity without compromising ecosystem health. These include the introduction of legumes in crop rotations or as cover crops, the use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms, and the use of biostimulants such as amino acids, phytohormones, and natural products.
Proper management of livestock farm waste also plays an important role. From treatment to field application and monitoring, it can contribute to reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Sustainable Pest Management
The massive use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture places a significant burden on production systems, with negative effects on soil and ecosystem health. For this reason, the Farm to Fork strategy sets the objective of reducing synthetic pesticides by 50% by 2030.
This research line studies crop pathogens through aerobiological approaches, with the aim of reducing pesticide use.
It also explores natural strategies for pest control, including essential oils, plant extracts, natural compounds, companion plants, and allelopathic crops. These approaches aim either to prevent pest occurrence or to support sustainable management once pests are present.
This line also investigates the use of agricultural residues for pest control, although current knowledge on their value remains limited. A multidisciplinary approach is required, involving areas such as economics, soil science, and agronomy, in order to better understand their potential role in pest management.
Weed Management
The widespread use of herbicides in agriculture to control so-called “weeds” has caused significant environmental impacts and food contamination.
In line with the Farm to Fork strategy objective of reducing synthetic pesticides by 50% by 2030, this research line develops alternative weed management techniques, including cultural, mechanical, physical, biological, and biotechnological methods.
Crop Adaptation to Climate Change
New environmental conditions are directly linked to climate change, including drought, flooding, high temperatures, and elevated CO₂ levels. These changes represent a major challenge for agricultural production, affecting both yield and crop quality.
This research line studies crop phenology and plant responses to environmental stress. It considers both the aerial part of the plant, which is important for agricultural production, and the root system, which has a high capacity for acclimation.
The goal is to develop agricultural strategies that reduce the effects of stress on crops.
In addition, this line studies how climate change affects agricultural inputs, especially pesticides, and analyses its impact on crop yield forecasting.
Sustainable Development Goals
